How Sweet it Is . . .

<p>On a brisk winter’s day, a rag-tag group of restaurant-industry veterans made the trip to Eden – not Eden, Vermont – further than that to West Charleston up near the Canadian border. This group went to visit Eden Specialty Ciders where they were let in on a little secret.., winter’s sweetest and brightest syrup comes from a frozen batch of heirloom cider. </p><p>We typically celebrate apples and their juice around the end of harvest season, but that’s just the beginning for orchardists and cidermakers at Eden whose pressing goes through an extra-magical step of transformation before fermentation. Once the cold hits, Eden’s special blend of pressed cider goes outside to freeze and thaw and freeze again – following the natural rhythm of a Vermont winter – to concentrate the sugars and bright apple flavor. The first 10% to melt becomes the liquid gold we know as ice cider and the rest transforms into Eden’s exquisite line of wine-style ciders and herbal apertifs. Take a look!    </p><p>Eden Specialty Ciders home Orchard and Farm – West Charleston, Vermont </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Vermont Cider Week 2018

<p>Vermont Cider Week is coming right up, making it the best time to brush up on the beverage that’s making headlines across the country. That’s right, Vermont cider is shining right now. Producers are on the cutting edge of the industry and Vermont has a particular advantage when it comes to terroir – it must be in the soil. We’re challenging you to find a new favorite this Cider Week and to up your Vermont “Ci”-Q. Here are some places to get started . . . </p><h4><ul><li><a href=”http://www.foodandwine.com/travel/vermont-best-cider” target=”_blank”>How to Taste Vermont’s Best Ciders in One Day</a> – Food and Wine </li><li><a href=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/think-you-know-what-cider-is-youre-probably-wrong/2018/02/05/24e3ecd8-07a5-11e8-b48c-b07fea957bd5_story.html?utm_term=.6be6ab82d80c” target=”_blank”>Think you know what cider is? You’re probably wrong.</a> – Washington Post </li><li><a href=”https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/01/tasting-four-new-ciders-from-shacksbury.html” target=”_blank”>Tasting Four New Ciders from Shacksbury</a> – Paste </li></ul></h4><p>Now you’re ready to hit the store, but you need a good spread – the perfect pairing. We checked in with pairing pro Will McNeil at Hen of the Wood to see how he’d go about pairing cider. . .</p><p><span style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;”>”Hard cider is a </span>naturally<span style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;”> pairing jack of all trades! It’s pretty easy to find food that tastes great with cider, whether you’re drinking at a midweek dinner or a celebratory feast. Cider’s naturally occurring low alcohol &amp; carbonation help tremendously! Cider can add a little light to </span>heavy<span style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;”> meal or great complexity to a light meal. Its natural fruitiness pairs as well with pork as it does with a green salad. Cider also plays extremely well with Vermont cheese! Many drier styles of cider pair beautifully with rich, buttery cheeses (think cheddar, gouda or a creamy blue), while the big apple flavors of semi-sweet cider </span>is<span style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;”> gorgeous with fresh or soft-ripened cheeses. The old ‘rule of thumb’ that was taught to us day one in culinary school is that if two things come from the same region, they will naturally pair together. </span><strong style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px;”>Point: Vermont Cheese loves Vermont Cider!</strong><span style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;”>”</span></p><p>So grab the new release from your favorite Vermont cheesemaker and follow Will’s lead when pairing. Perhaps try <a href=”https://www.ciderculture.com/very-vermont-cheese-cider-pairing/” target=”_blank”>Windfall with some Twig</a>? A Green Mountain Blue Cheese with Whetstone’s Orchard King? Woodcock Timberdoodle with Champlain Orchard Heirloom? </p><p>Now you’re hooked, right? Perfect! It’s time to jump into Vermont Cider Week! Try a bevy of Vermont ciders at events spanning the state.</p><h3><a href=”https://www.diginvt.com/events/” target=”_blank”>Find all Vermont Cider Week Events here!</a></h3>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

How sweet it is…

On a brisk winter’s day, a rag-tag group of restaurant-industry veterans made the trip to Eden . . . not Eden, Vermont – further than that, to West Charleston up near the Canadian border. This group went to visit Eden Specialty Ciders where they were let in on a little secret. . . winter’s sweetest and brightest syrup comes from a frozen batch of heirloom cider. 

We typically celebrate apples and their juice around the end of harvest season in the fall, but that’s just the beginning for orchardists and cidermakers at Eden whose pressing goes through an extra-magical- step of transformation before fermentation.

Once the cold hits in the winter, Eden’s special blend of pressed cider goes outside to freeze and thaw and freeze again, following the natural rhythm of a Vermont winter to concentrate the sugars and bright apple flavor. The first 10% to melt becomes the liquid gold we know as ice cider and the rest transforms into Eden’s exquisite line of wine-style ciders and herbal aperitifs. It’s truly making the most out of every apple. Take a look!  

Eden Specialty Cider Orchard and Farm – West Charleston, Vermont

Frozen Cider and Syrup Tasting

Cider Tasting and Lunch at the Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center – Newport, Vermont

 

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Wine and Chocolate Weekend

<p>Vermont winemakers are hosting their 7th annual statewide Wine and Chocolate Weekend on February 10 and 11, 2018 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Wineries around Vermont open their doors to visitors and will feature samples of their wines with a chocolate confection or another dessert. Many partner with local chocolatiers to offer homegrown pairings—flavors only found in Vermont. </p><p><strong>Visitors can taste the full spectrum of Vermont wines during Wine and Chocolate weekend</strong>. Some wineries specialize in grape wines made from northern grape varieties like Marquette, La Crescent, and Traminette; others produce black currant cassis, honey mead, ice cider, raspberry wine, and apple wine.</p><p>The participating wineries will be open from noon to 5 p.m. during the Wine and Chocolate weekend. Visitors can also purchase a bottle of the featured wine with the accompanying chocolates for Valentine’s Day gifts. Please call ahead to wineries for details about their tastings.</p><p>2018 participating wineries include:</p><p><a href=”http://www.vermontwinerycabins.com” target=”_blank”>Autumn Mountain Winery</a>, Brandon. Tastings of all nine wines including their Chocolate Moose dessert wine, and featuring a chocolate fountain in their cozy fireplace tasting room. (802) 247-6644; www.vermontwinerycabins.com. </p><p><a href=”http://www.boydenvalley.com” target=”_blank”>Boyden Valley Winery &amp; Spirits</a>, Cambridge. Free tasting of wine &amp; spirits paired with decadent local chocolates. Snowflake Chocolates and STiR Chocolates will be onsite with additional chocolate samples and a variety of options to purchase. Valentine’s-themed cocktail tastings and Vermont Ice Maple Crème chocolate milkshakes will be available throughout the day. Boyden is also hosting a romantic cheese fondue dinners with wine and dessert from 5pm-7pm in their historic carriage barn loft on Saturday 2/10 by reservation only (These sell out quickly every year so make your reservations now!). Call for more details or to place a reservation for the fondue dinners. (802) 644-8151; www.boydenvalley.com.</p><p><a href=”http://www.champlainorchards.com” target=”_blank”>Champlain Orchards</a>, Shoreham. Offering a cider tasting flight paired with chocolates from Daily Chocolate, as well as house-made chocolate-drizzled &amp; dipped cider donuts for sale. (802) 897-2777; www.champlainorchards.com.</p><p><a href=”http://www.freshtracksfarm.com” target=”_blank”>Fresh Tracks Farm</a>, Berlin. Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard &amp; Winery will be offering a special wine flight paired with three chocolates from Cocoa Bean of Vermont of Montpelier. (802) 223-1151; www.freshtracksfarm.com.</p><p><a href=”http://www.hallhomeplace.com” target=”_blank”>Hall Home Place Ice Cider</a>, Isle La Motte. Select Ice and Hard Cider pairings with a variety of chocolates from Champlain Islands Candy Lab (including some made with our own apple cider syrup). All cider products will be available for purchase. Full tastings at the regular fee also available. (802) 928-3091, www.hallhomeplace.com.</p><p><a href=”http://www.hellsgatedistillery.com” target=”_blank”>Hell’s Gate Distillery</a>, Georgia. www.hellsgatedistillery.com.</p><p><a href=”http://www.lincolnpeakvineyard.com” target=”_blank”>Lincoln Peak Vineyard</a>, Middlebury. Featuring wine pairings with three Addison County chocolatiers: Middlebury Chocolates’ Guatemala bar with Summit wine, Daily Chocolate’s Delightful Bar with La Crescent and Blueberry Bundles with Ragtime Red, and Farmhouse Chocolates’ Vanilla Bean truffle with Cassis. (802) 388-7368; www.lincolnpeakvineyard.com.</p><p><a href=”http://www.neshoberiverwinery.com” target=”_blank”>Neshobe River Winery</a>, Brandon. Featuring red and white port wines paired with small plates that include artisan cheeses, dried fruits, chocolate ganache truffles and other chocolate specialties. For the beer drinker, their sister business Foley Brothers Brewery is releasing their bourbon-barrel-aged porter. (802) 247-8002; www.neshoberiverwinery.com</p><p><a href=”http://www.shelburnevineyard.com” target=”_blank”>Shelburne Vineyard</a>, Shelburne. Offering wine pairings with a different chocolatier each day 11 am- 5 pm. On Saturday, they’re joining forces with Matyroshka Bakery. On Sunday, they’re partnering with Douglas Sweets. In addition to the chocolate pairings, the Vineyard will also offer regular wine tastings throughout the weekend. (802) 985-8222; www.shelburnevineyard.com. </p><p><a href=”http://www.snowfarm.com” target=”_blank”>Snow Farm Vineyard</a>, South Hero. Pairing estate wines with Vermont Nut Free Chocolates. Enjoy their newest release (Marquette 2016) or a mug of their hot mulled wine. Cheeses and meats available. Snowshoe or hike up Fox Hill for breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. (802) 372-9463; www.snowfarm.com.</p>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

New Year’s Eve! Celebrate Vermont-style.

<p>Ring in the new year local-style with a meal at a Vermont Fresh Network restaurant. Whether you prefer lively parties, quiet candlelit dinners or opulent feasts – VFN chefs have you covered. <strong>Make a reservation today!</strong> </p><p> </p><h2><strong>North &amp; Central</strong> </h2><p><br/><strong>Bistro de Margot</strong>, Burlington<br/><em>Enjoy a five-course French feast in downtown Burlington to bid adieu to 2017. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=0f0d1f3e65&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu</a>.</em><br/><br/><strong>Charlie B’s</strong>, Stowe<br/><em>Ring in the New Year with a magical family celebration or a festive multi-course dinner. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=68517857c4&amp;e=3984184bf0″>Learn more</a>.</em><br/><br/><strong>Edson Hill</strong>, Stowe<br/><em>Dine in exquisite style and ring in the new year in picturesque Stowe. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=80f06d0282&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu</a>. </em><br/><br/><strong>Kitchen Table Bistro</strong>, Richmond<br/><em>Enjoy a special menu for a delicious close to the year. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=93230ed0c9&amp;e=3984184bf0″>Learn more.</a> </em><br/><br/><strong>Mary’s Restaurant at the Inn at Baldwin Creek</strong>, Bristol <br/><em>Ring in 2018 with old world glamour and style – Mary’s is throwing a roaring 20s NYE party and dinner! <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=ce6a2fc48e&amp;e=3984184bf0″>Learn more.</a></em><br/><br/><strong>Michaels on the Hill</strong>, Waterbury Center<br/><em>At Michaels, they pull out all the stops for a festive NYE complete with live music and champagne. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=3025a1c3a7&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu</a>. </em><br/><br/><strong>Norwich Inn</strong>, Norwich <br/><em>Enjoy the uniquely crafted NYE menu and, maybe, stay the night! <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=743ff000bb&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu</a>.</em></p><h2><strong>South </strong></h2><p> </p><p><strong>Dorset Inn</strong>, Dorset<br/><em>Enjoy a five Course prix-fixe menu followed by a Champagne toast, party favors, dancing &amp; singing the night away with the Mowgli Gianniitti Trio. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=4ce5352f96&amp;e=3984184bf0″>Learn more</a>.</em><br/><br/><strong>Duo Restaurant</strong>, Brattleboro<br/><em>Choose your adventure with a special coursed menu filled with delicious choices. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=2a0d4842a2&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu. </a></em><br/><br/><strong>Echo Lake Inn</strong>, Ludlow.<br/><em>Delicious NYE dining awaits you in Ludlow. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=37c62cb962&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu</a>. </em><br/><br/><strong>Four Columns Inn and Artisan Restaurant</strong>, Newfane <br/><em>Beautiful pre-fixe menu fit for the final meal of 2017. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=42be47ff07&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu.</a></em><br/><br/><strong>The Perfect Wife</strong>, Manchester<br/><em>Dine at the restaurant or tavern and dance your way to 2018 with the band Wyld Nightz. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=c49e1bc707&amp;e=3984184bf0″>More Information.</a></em><br/><br/><strong>Red Clover Inn and Restaurant</strong>, Mendon <br/><em>Ring in 2018 with a spectacular feast, live jazz, and a champagne toast! <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=1e69a0affc&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu.</a></em><br/><br/><strong>Inn at Weathersfield</strong>, Perkinsville <br/><em>Three-courses and live jazz for a memorable and cozy NYE. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=679fbf4327&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu. </a></em><br/><br/><strong>Williamsville Eatery</strong>, Williamsville <br/><em>Four-course, candlelit, pre-fixe dinner. Celebrate. <a href=”https://vermontfresh.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82b74c2f00550888d087fd042&amp;id=053d59132b&amp;e=3984184bf0″>View menu</a>. </em><br/><br/><strong>However you choose to celebrate, we at Vermont Fresh Network wish you a happy new year filled with Vermont-grown food. </strong></p>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Winter Cocktails Throwback

<p><span id=”docs-internal-guid-5c47d00f-4635-757c-8e5d-816cc3a2bce8″>These cocktails are so good – we posted them again. Now you have the whole month of December to experiment with Vermont spirits to find the perfect cocktails for your holiday party. Here’s Butternut Mountain Farm’s <a href=”https://www.pinterest.com/butternumtnfarm/%7Emaple-new-years-drinks%7E/” target=”_blank”>Pinterest Board of maple-inspired cocktails</a>. This covers the territory from <a href=”http://www.jamieoliver.com/drinks-tube/recipe/winter-daiquiri/”><strong>Winter Daiquiris</strong></a> to a classic<strong> </strong><a href=”http://camillestyles.com/food-and-drink/recipe-files/bourbon-maple-cider/#_a5y_p=4726280″><strong>Bourbon Maple Cider</strong></a><strong> </strong>to a not-so-classic <a href=”http://honestlyyum.com/11735/maple-bacon-pisco-sour/”><strong>Maple Bacon Pisco Sour</strong></a> (admittedly, Vermont has no pisco makers but most of the cocktail basics can be covered by <a href=”https://www.diginvt.com/search-results/category/wineries-and-distilleries”>our fine line up of distillers</a>).</span></p><p>Butternut Mountain Farm isn’t the only Vermont food producers with some ideas for your winter time bar needs. Here are some other recipes for achieving winter warmth via a cocktail shaker:</p><ul><li><a href=”https://blog.fattoadfarm.com/2013/12/20/goats-milk-caramel-eggnog-from-scratch/”><strong>Fat Toad Farm Caramel Egg Nog</strong></a> (egg nog is <em>not </em>just for Christmas, it’s for any time you want something delicious). </li><li><a href=”https://boydenvalley.com/cocktails/vermont-ice-apple-creme-flip/”><strong>Vermont Ice Apple Creme Flip</strong></a> from Boyden Valley Winery &amp; Spirits</li><li><a href=”http://www.silodistillery.com/cocktail/2016/12/19/white-vermonter”><strong>White Vermonter </strong></a>from SILO Distillery (you can learn more about their cacao vodka from<a href=”http://vermontfresh.net/news-events-and-blog/silo-distillery/”> this post by DigInVT partner the Vermont Fresh Network</a>)</li><li><a href=”http://www.stonecutterspirits.com/portfolio/gimme-smore”><strong>Gimme S’More</strong></a> from Stonecutter Spirits (why do we not all have toasted marshmallow syrup on hand already? Now we can)</li><li><strong><a href=”http://www.vermontspirits.com/recipes-gold-appalachian-winter.php” target=”_blank”>Appalachian Winter</a> </strong>from Vermont Spirits<strong> </strong>pro tip, use Vermont Cranberry Co. cranberries</li><li><a href=”http://www.woodchuck.com/mixable/the-snowbird/”><strong>The Snowbird</strong></a> from Woodchuck Cider</li><li><a href=”http://whistlepigwhiskey.tumblr.com/post/153237635406/finallyryeday-marc-volpicelli”><strong>Sweet Heat</strong></a><strong> </strong>from WhistlePig Whiskey (why you would mix WhistlePig with anything other than an ice cube is a mystery to those of us without degrees in mixology, but we’ll trust the experts)</li><li><a href=”http://saplingliqueur.com/sled-dog/”><strong>The Sled Dog</strong> </a>from Saxtons River Distillery</li><li><a href=”https://caledoniaspirits.com/cocktail/hot-tommy/” target=”_blank”><strong>Hot Tommy</strong></a> from Caledonia Spirits. Hot Tom Cat? Yes. Please.</li></ul><p><br/>You can explore these and many other recipes with distilleries throughout Vermont – check out the listings on our <a href=”https://www.diginvt.com/search-results/category/wineries-and-distilleries”>DigInVT Places Page</a>.</p>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

‘Tis the Season for Sleigh Rides!

<p>Sign your family up for a horse-drawn adventure this winter! There’s nothing quite like gliding through the snow, pulled by majestic horses decked out in their holiday finest. Cozy up under a blanket and enjoy one of Vermont’s favorite pastimes.</p><p>Inns and farms around the state are offering horse-drawn carriage and sleigh rides. Don’t miss the fun! </p><h3><strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>North</span></strong></h3><p><a href=”https://shelburnefarms.org/calendar/event/horse-drawn-rides” target=”_blank”>Shelburne Farms</a>, Shelburne </p><p><a href=”https://www.trappfamily.com/tours.htm” target=”_blank”>Trapp Family Lodge</a>, Stowe</p><p><a href=”http://unityfarmvt.com/rides.html” target=”_blank”>Unity Farm</a>, Charlotte </p><h3><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Central</span></h3><p><a href=”https://billingsfarm.org/” target=”_blank”>Billings Farm and Museum</a>, Woodstock</p><p><a href=”https://mountaintopinn.com/things-to-do/winter-spring-resort-activities/” target=”_blank”>Mountain Top Inn and Resort</a>, Chittenden</p><h3><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>South</span></h3><p><a href=”http://adamsfamilyfarm.com/activities/vermont-sleigh-rides/” target=”_blank”>Adam’s Farm</a>, Wilmington </p><p><a href=”https://www.graftoninnvermont.com/events/” target=”_blank”>Grafton Inn</a>, Grafton </p><p><a href=”http://merckforest.org/news-events.php” target=”_blank”>Merck Forest and Farmland Center</a>, Rupert</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook features faces, places and flavors of Vermont

<p>Cookbook author Tracey Medeiros is living the dream – well, the Vermontavore foodie dream at least. Her latest publication, <em>The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook,</em> takes a look at the farmers, artisans and chefs that make Vermont a leader in local and sustainable food production and consumption. In this cookbook, Tracey takes the back roads to visit farmers and eateries throughout the state and brings their unique character to life in corresponding recipes.</p><p>Tracey generously shared two mouthwatering recipes from both a DigInVT farm and chef to give you a taste of the treasures found in the pages of <em>The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook</em>. You can <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Vermont-Non-GMO-Cookbook-Farm-Fork/dp/1510722726″ target=”_blank”>order the cookbook online here</a>, or meet Tracey in person and pick up a copy at one of these upcoming book signings!</p><address><strong>Richmond Community Kitchen, Richmond<br/></strong><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, December 8, 2017 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.<br/><strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Event description: </span></strong>Meet-and-greet and <strong><em>The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook</em></strong> signing event with author Tracey Medeiros.  Includes a delicious complimentary cider sampling.</address><address><br/></address> <address><strong>Natural Provisions, Williston<br/></strong><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, December 9, 2017 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.<br/><strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Event description:</span></strong> Meet-and-greet and <strong><em>The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook </em></strong>signing event with author Tracey Medeiros<br/><strong><em> </em></strong></address> <address><strong>Phoenix Books, Rutland<br/></strong><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, December 9, 2017 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.<br/><strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Event description:</span></strong> Meet-and-greet and <strong><em>The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook </em></strong>signing event with author Tracey Medeiros</address><address><br/></address> <address><strong>Phoenix Book, Essex<br/></strong><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, December 10, 2017 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.<br/><strong><span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>Event description:</span></strong> Meet-and-greet and <strong><em>The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook</em></strong> signing event with author Tracey Medeiros</address><address><br/></address><address><br/></address><p><img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600479-Screen-Shot-2017-11-29-at-12.22.26-PM.png” width=”600″ height=”479″ alt=”” title=””/></p><p><span id=”docs-internal-guid-a7821113-08b4-4267-9dc2-4e8a2d464083″> </span></p><h3><strong>Cedar Circle Farm &amp; Education Center // </strong><strong>Spinach and Smoked Chicken Gratin</strong></h3><address><br/></address><address><em style=”color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 13px;”><span style=”font-style: italic;”><strong>Excerpt from the book…</strong><br/></span></em><span style=”font-style: normal;”>The folks at Cedar Circle Farm &amp; Education Center firmly believe that healthy soil is the product of regenerative organic practices, which, in turn, are the key to growing good food. They strongly support the movement to halt GMOs, toxic pesticides, and factory animal production. For many years, farmer activists from Cedar Circle Farm have been involved in the movement against GMOs in agricultural crops, fighting for the labeling of food products that contain GMOs. Their message is loud and clear: “Eating organic is the simplest way to ensure that what you eat is free of genetically modified ingredients.”</span></address><address><span style=”font-style: normal;”> </span><strong style=”font-style: normal;”> </strong></address><p><strong>RECIPE: Spinach and Smoked Chicken Gratin – Serves 6</strong></p><p>“This is an excellent recipe to make in the late winter using a hardy storage potato, like a russet, along with spinach from farm greenhouses. Good cheese and cream and smoked chicken round out the mix in this dish for those last chilly evenings. Gratin recipes can get pretty involved; we came up with an easy and delicious one that can be mixed in a single dish and baked up hot to serve alongside tangy winter greens for an easy supper.” —Alison Baker, former kitchen manager and chef, Cedar Circle Farm &amp; Education Center </p><address>1 tablespoon olive oil<br/>1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped<br/>2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced<br/>5 cups loosely packed baby spinach<br/>1 cup sliced smoked chicken<br/>1 cup sour cream or crème fraiche<br/>1 teaspoon fine sea salt<br/>½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br/>3 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1⁄8-inch-thick circles<br/>2⁄3 cup half-and-half<br/>½ cup shredded cheddar cheese</address><address><br/></address><p>Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8-by-11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.</p><p>Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in the spinach and smoked chicken until well combined. Stir in the sour cream, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.</p><p>Arrange a layer of the potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping the slices. Spread some of the spinach mixture over the top. Continue layering the potatoes and spinach mixture, ending with the spinach mixture.</p><p>Carefully pour the half-and-half over the spinach mixture; it should just rise up the sides but not cover the potatoes. Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.</p><address><strong>Recipe from Cedar Circle Farm &amp; Education Center<br/>Photograph by Oliver Parini</strong></address><address><br/></address><address><img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600590-Screen-Shot-2017-12-05-at-1.16.51-PM.png” width=”600″ height=”590″ alt=”” title=””/><br/></address><h3><strong>Juniper Bar and Restaurant at Hotel Vermont // Northern Lake Fish Chowder </strong></h3><address> <address><br/></address><address><strong>Excerpt from the book…</strong></address><address><span style=”font-style: normal;”>Chef [Doug] Paine’s philosophy on food is quite simple: “Find the best ingredients possible and make them into something fresh and delicious.” With more than 40 farms sharing their produce and products with the award-winning restaurant, this ideology seems to be working quite well. Gathering inspiration from the juniper berry with its strong, unique flavor that has been used in making food and drink for centuries, this innovative eating establishment offers cuisine that appeals to all lifestyle choices, including vegan and vegetarian.</span></address><address><span style=”font-style: normal;”><br/></span></address></address><address><p><strong><span style=”font-style: normal;”><span style=”font-weight: 700;”>RECIPE: </span>Northen Lake Fish Chowder Recipe – </span><span style=”font-style: normal;”>Serves 6</span></strong></p><span style=”font-style: normal;”><p style=”display: inline !important;”>The sweet, crisp flavors of the hard apple cider provide the perfect counterpoint to the smoky flavor of the lake fish and smooth, velvety texture from the cream and fish stock.</p></span><address><br/>1/4 pound thick-cut bacon, diced into small pieces<br/>1 ounce butter<br/>1/2 pound carrots, peeled, trimmed and diced into medium pieces<br/>1/2 pound leeks, cleaned, trimmed, and thinly sliced<br/>1/2 pound celery root, peeled, trimmed and diced into medium pieces<br/>1 tablespoon chopped garlic<br/>1 tablespoon fresh assorted herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, thyme, sage, or rosemary, minced, plus extra for garnish<br/>1/2 cup hard apple cider<br/>1 1/2 quarts fish stock, warmed<br/>1/2 pound potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces<br/>1 cup organic heavy cream, warmed<br/>1 1/4 pounds applewood smoked lake fish, such as walleye, or trout, pin bones removed and cut into 2-inch pieces<br/>1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels<br/>Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste<br/>Baby red sorrel, for garnish, optional</address><address><span style=”font-style: normal;”> </span></address><p><span style=”font-style: normal;”>In a large, heavy-bottom stockpot, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings in the pot.</span><span style=”font-style: normal;”> </span></p><p><span style=”font-style: normal;”>Melt the butter in the same stockpot with the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Add the carrots, leeks, and celery root. Cook, stirring often, until the leeks are very tender, about</span></p><p><span style=”font-style: normal;”>8 minutes. Add the garlic and herbs and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the hard apple cider. Cook until reduced by half, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.</span></p><p><span style=”font-style: normal;”>Add the stock and potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes.</span><span style=”font-style: normal;”> </span></p><p><span style=”font-style: normal;”>Slowly add the warm cream, fish, and corn. Simmer until the fish is heated through and the corn is tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.</span></p><p><span style=”font-style: normal;”>Garnish with reserved bacon, herbs, and baby red Swiss chard, if desired. </span></p><address><strong>Recipe from Chef Doug Paine, Juniper Bar and Restaurant at Hotel Vermont and Bleu Northeast Seafood<br/><span style=”font-weight: 700;”>Photograph by Oliver Parini</span></strong></address><p> </p>


<br/><p> </p></address>

Source: Dig in VT Trails

The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook features faces, places and flavors of Vermont

Cookbook author Tracey Medeiros is living the dream – well, the Vermontavore foodie dream at least. Her latest publication, The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook, takes a look at the farmers, artisans and chefs that make Vermont a leader in local and sustainable food production and consumption. In this cookbook, Tracey takes the back roads to visit farmers and eateries throughout the state and brings their unique character to life in corresponding recipes.

Tracey generously shared two mouthwatering recipes from both a DigInVT farm and chef to give you a taste of the treasures found in the pages of The Vermont Non-GMO Cookbook. You can order the cookbook online here

Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center // Spinach and Smoked Chicken Gratin

Excerpt from the book…
The folks at Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center firmly believe that healthy soil is the product of regenerative organic practices, which, in turn, are the key to growing good food. They strongly support the movement to halt GMOs, toxic pesticides, and factory animal production. For many years, farmer activists from Cedar Circle Farm have been involved in the movement against GMOs in agricultural crops, fighting for the labeling of food products that contain GMOs. Their message is loud and clear: “Eating organic is the simplest way to ensure that what you eat is free of genetically modified ingredients.”
  

RECIPE: Spinach and Smoked Chicken Gratin 

(Serves 6)

“This is an excellent recipe to make in the late winter using a hardy storage potato, like a russet, along with spinach from farm greenhouses. Good cheese and cream and smoked chicken round out the mix in this dish for those last chilly evenings. Gratin recipes can get pretty involved; we came up with an easy and delicious one that can be mixed in a single dish and baked up hot to serve alongside tangy winter greens for an easy supper.” —Alison Baker, former kitchen manager and chef, Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center 

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
5 cups loosely packed baby spinach
1 cup sliced smoked chicken
1 cup sour cream or crème fraiche
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1⁄8-inch-thick circles
2⁄3 cup half-and-half
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8-by-11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in the spinach and smoked chicken until well combined. Stir in the sour cream, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.

Arrange a layer of the potatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping the slices. Spread some of the spinach mixture over the top. Continue layering the potatoes and spinach mixture, ending with the spinach mixture.

Carefully pour the half-and-half over the spinach mixture; it should just rise up the sides but not cover the potatoes. Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and bubbly, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe from Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center
Photograph by Oliver Parini
Juniper Bar and Restaurant at Hotel Vermont // Northern Lake Fish Chowder 
Excerpt from the book…
Chef [Doug] Paine’s philosophy on food is quite simple: “Find the best ingredients possible and make them into something fresh and delicious.” With more than 40 farms sharing their produce and products with the award-winning restaurant, this ideology seems to be working quite well. Gathering inspiration from the juniper berry with its strong, unique flavor that has been used in making food and drink for centuries, this innovative eating establishment offers cuisine that appeals to all lifestyle choices, including vegan and vegetarian.

northern lake fish chowder

RECIPE: Northern Lake Fish Chowder Recipe

(Serves 6)

The sweet, crisp flavors of the hard apple cider provide the perfect counterpoint to the smoky flavor of the lake fish and smooth, velvety texture from the cream and fish stock.

1/4 pound thick-cut bacon, diced into small pieces
1 ounce butter
1/2 pound carrots, peeled, trimmed and diced into medium pieces
1/2 pound leeks, cleaned, trimmed, and thinly sliced
1/2 pound celery root, peeled, trimmed and diced into medium pieces
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon fresh assorted herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, thyme, sage, or rosemary, minced, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup hard apple cider
1 1/2 quarts fish stock, warmed
1/2 pound potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
1 cup organic heavy cream, warmed
1 1/4 pounds applewood smoked lake fish, such as walleye, or trout, pin bones removed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Baby red sorrel, for garnish, optional
 

In a large, heavy-bottom stockpot, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings in the pot. 

Melt the butter in the same stockpot with the reserved bacon drippings over medium heat. Add the carrots, leeks, and celery root. Cook, stirring often, until the leeks are very tender, about

8 minutes. Add the garlic and herbs and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the hard apple cider. Cook until reduced by half, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.

Add the stock and potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes. 

Slowly add the warm cream, fish, and corn. Simmer until the fish is heated through and the corn is tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with reserved bacon, herbs, and baby red Swiss chard, if desired. 

Recipe from Chef Doug Paine, Juniper Bar and Restaurant at Hotel Vermont and Bleu Northeast Seafood
Photograph by Oliver Parini

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Local Pairings for the Thanksgiving Table

<p>A local feast needs the perfect local accompaniment. Treat your Thanksgiving guests to the best in Vermont wine and cider next week – here are some suggestions for a meal, perfectly paired.</p><h2>For the Meal… </h2><p><strong><img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage178300-Screen-Shot-2017-11-15-at-1.27.15-PM.png” width=”178″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/></strong></p><h3><strong><a href=”http://www.whetstoneciderworks.com/”>Whetstone CiderWorks</a> | Orchard Queen</strong></h3><p>Orchard Queen showcases the complexity and fruitiness of the most distinguished traditional bittersweet cider apples in this semi-dry cider. Ripe apple flavor is followed by tropical fruit and smoky notes, with lots of acid and tannin to match. A delightful match for Thanksgiving dinner. (Apples in this cider: Kingston Black, Dabinett, Major, Ashton Bitter, Northern Spy, Esopus Spitzenburg, Macintosh, Harrison, Brown Snout, and foraged apples)</p><p> </p><p> <img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage180300-Screen-Shot-2017-11-15-at-1.21.46-PM.png” width=”180″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/></p><h3><strong><a href=”http://boyersorchard.com/”>Boyer’s Orchard</a> | Frontenac Gris Rose</strong></h3><p>Boyer’s Frontenac Gris Rose wine is a fresh and lively semi-dry wine. Our flavorful wine presents a great balance of fruit and acidity to complement Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy this wine’s brilliant color on your holiday table!</p><p> </p><p><img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage123300-LaCrescent.jpg” width=”123″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/>  </p><h3><strong><a href=”http://www.shelburnevineyard.com/”>Shelburne Vineyard</a> | La Crescent</strong></h3><p>Whether you celebrate your Thanksgiving feast with traditional turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce or you offer a vegetarian banquet,  you can’t go wrong with a delicious Shelburne Vineyard La Crescent.  A sip begins with a distinctive, fragrant floral aroma, moves to your palate with a burst of lively stone fruit offering just a touch of sweetness and then finishes with a slightly herbal note.  It is the perfect pairing for your holiday meal.</p><p> </p><p><img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage164300-Screen-Shot-2017-11-15-at-1.17.08-PM.png” width=”164″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/>  </p><h3><strong><a href=”http://www.citizencider.com/”>Citizen Cider</a> | AmeriCran</strong></h3><p>AmeriCran, the perfect fit for Thanksgiving. Cranberries and turkey are the quintessential Thanksgiving companions. Throw together a bin of apples, a bushel of cranberries, and a few cider making citizens and you’ve got yourself an AmeriCran experience! </p><p> </p><p> <img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage80300-Nouveau-16.jpg” width=”80″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/></p><h3><strong><a href=”https://lincolnpeakvineyard.com/”>Lincoln Peak</a> | Marquette </strong></h3><p>We’re releasing two wines just in time for Thanksgiving, both un-oak-aged Marquette wines in different styles. The brand-new Summit 2016 is made exactly like our classic Marquette wine, except it has been aged only in stainless steel tanks, not oak barrels. Without oak, it’s a fresh and bright: fresh cherries, red currants, the sun of a Vermont summer. Our Nouveau-style Marquette 2017 is made differently. Starting with carbonic maceration and bottled just weeks after harvest, it’s light, young, and zesty. Thanksgiving dinner can be heavy. These bright un-oaked wines counter-balance the weight of the meal and offer an uplifting sip in the middle of a rich spread. Pick up your bottles this weekend at <a href=”https://lincolnpeakvineyard.com/event/marquette-fest-11-18-17/”>Marquette Fest</a>!</p><p> </p><h2><strong>For Dessert…</strong></h2><p><strong> <img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage300300-iceciderbottles.jpg” width=”300″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/></strong></p><h3><strong><a href=”http://windfallorchardvt.com/”>Windfall Orchard</a> | Windfall Ice Cider </strong></h3><p>Windfall Orchard Ice Cider is a perfect partner with Apple Pie and other desserts served at the end of the Thanksgiving Feast. A great way to end the meal!</p><p> </p><p> <img class=”leftAlone” src=”https://www.diginvt.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage200300-HoneycrispIce-CiderEden-1.jpg” width=”200″ height=”300″ alt=”” title=””/></p><h3><strong><a href=”https://www.edenciders.com/”>Eden Specialty Ciders</a> | Honeycrisp Ice Cider </strong></h3><p>The perfect way to end a Thanksgiving celebration is with Ice Cider. It has been described as ‘liquid apple pie’. Serve small helpings in sherry glasses to sip with apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake or Indian pudding. Try Eden’s Honeycrisp Ice Cider as a perfect pairing for your Thanksgiving desserts! <strong>**Eden’s Honeycrisp was just announced as a <a href=”http://www.goodfoodawards.org/2018-finalists/”>Good Food Awards 2018</a> finalist!**</strong></p>

Source: Dig in VT Trails